96. Brewing Medicines with Synthetic Biology: Antheia's Christina Smolke on Ending Drug Shortages

Grow Everything Biotech Podcast

Karl and Erum welcome Christina Smolke, CEO of Antheia and Professor at Stanford University, to discuss the rapid changes happening in biotech, particularly focusing on the biohacking community and decentralized science (DCI). Christina is developing revolutionary ways to manufacture critical pharmaceuticals using biotechnology. They explore the intersection of biohacking, pharmaceuticals, and emerging technologies. A key theme is the potential of biological processes to transform traditional methods, such as growing plants for medicine, into faster, scalable alternatives. Karl, Erum, and Christina talk about cutting-edge topics like longevity, decentralized research, and biotech’s growing role in addressing global challenges such as drug shortages and sustainability.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Biotech Beginnings: Kicking off with the latest innovations in biotech.
• 00:00:16 – Event Recap Madness: A whirlwind of the hottest biotech events.
• 00:00:49 – Sci-Fi or Science?: Diving into decentralized science’s wild future.
• 00:02:45 – The Vital Shift: Key moments from the cutting-edge biohacking event.
• 00:07:21 – DARPA’s Big Moves: How AI and biotech are shaping the future of defense.
• 00:09:21 – A Conversation with Christina Smolke: Enter the world of biotech innovation with Antheia's visionary.
• 00:17:21 – The Manufacturing Dilemma: Tackling the challenges in pharmaceutical production.
• 00:28:14 – Antheia’s Game-Changing Role: Transforming the pharmaceutical landscape.
• 00:29:22 – Supply Chain Solutions: Ensuring surety of supply for critical drugs.
• 00:30:22 – Biotech Scaling Mastery: How Antheia is leading synthetic biology to new heights.
• 00:35:23 – Government Backing Biotech: Why the U.S. is investing in synthetic biology.
• 00:39:10 – The Future of Pharma Manufacturing: Leapfrogging into more sustainable, faster production methods.
• 00:47:39 – Wisdom for Biotech Founders: Christina’s must-hear advice for new leaders.
• 00:49:44 – Key Takeaways: Recapping the interview with reflections and insights.
• 00:53:02 – Tackling Drug Shortages: Addressing the global crisis with biotech innovation.
• 00:54:29 – Closing Connections: Final thoughts and how you can join the conversation.

Topics Covered: biotech, bioengineering, precision fermentation, epigenetics, optogenetics, light, biosolutions, cellular control, photomolecular biology

Episode Links:

• Antheia
• DARPA Biological Technologies Office
• JP Morgan Healthcare Conference
• DeSciNYC
• Compound VC
• Union Square Ventures
• Unnatural Selection on Netflix
• Josie Zayner
• David Cronenberg
• Scavengers Reign animated series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Music by: Nihilore

Production by: Amplafy Media